Monthly housing costs in Jacksonville
| Cost | Monthly | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Typical rent | $1,601 | Zillow Observed Rent Index, August 2026 |
| Mortgage, 10% down | $1,712 | Principal and interest on $256,600, 30 years at 7.03% |
| Mortgage, 20% down | $1,522 | Principal and interest on $228,100, 30 years at 7.03% |
Typical home value $285,100 (Zillow, August 2026). Rate: Freddie Mac 30-year average, week of September 24, 2026. Taxes, insurance and HOA/CDD fees are extra and covered below.
How expensive is Jacksonville?
Jacksonville is cheaper than Florida as a whole and cheaper than the other big Florida metros. MIT's Living Wage Calculator puts the pre-tax income one adult with no children needs to cover basic costs at $46,251 a year in Duval County, against $50,117 for Florida overall and $51,346 in Hillsborough County (Tampa). For a household of two working adults and two children, MIT's figure is $105,795 in Duval and $103,746 for Florida, so costs for larger households are close to the state level, mainly because of childcare.
Housing is where Jacksonville stands out. Zillow's typical home value was $285,103 in August 2026, compared with $377,566 in Tampa and $371,120 in Orlando, and typical rent was $1,601 against $1,957 and $1,896. The table above shows rent and the monthly mortgage payment on a typical home. The rest of this page covers the costs that table leaves out.
Housing costs in Jacksonville
Buying a home
Zillow's typical Jacksonville home value was $285,103 in August 2026, down 0.8% in a year. At Freddie Mac's 7.03% average 30-year rate for the week of September 24, 2026, principal and interest on that value comes to about $1,712 a month with 10% down and $1,522 with 20% down. Prices vary widely by area, from a typical $106,323 in ZIP 32209 to $489,045 in 32233, so check our Jacksonville ZIP code guide for the part of town you want. Buyers had some leverage: metro homes sold at 97.0% of list price on average, and 28.4% of listings had a price cut.
Renting
Zillow's typical rent was $1,601 a month in August 2026, up 2.0% in a year. MIT's estimate of basic annual housing cost in Duval County is $15,417 for one adult and $18,864 for a household with one or two children, which works out to about $1,285 and $1,572 a month. Renting is cheaper than owning the typical home once tax and insurance are added, so buying makes most sense if you plan to stay several years.
Property tax
Your bill is the taxable value multiplied by the combined millage (one mill is $1 per $1,000 of taxable value). Inside the City of Jacksonville, the city rate is 11.1919 mills, which the City Council kept in its final budget vote on September 22, 2026, and the Duval County School Board rate for 2025-26 is 6.343 mills. The St. Johns River Water Management District and FIND add smaller levies. Homes in the Beaches towns pay 7.9012 mills and homes in Baldwin 9.4208 mills to the consolidated government, plus their own town's rate.
On a homesteaded home assessed at $285,103, the city portion is about $2,631 and the school portion about $1,650, roughly $4,281 before the smaller levies. The first $25,000 of the homestead exemption applies to all taxes and the second $25,000 does not apply to school taxes, which is why the two portions use different taxable values. The Duval County property tax guide covers exemptions and deadlines.
Homeowners insurance
Citizens Property Insurance, the state-backed insurer, reported an average premium of $2,426 for multi-peril homeowners (HO-3) policies in Duval County, based on policies in force at April 30, 2025. Its December 2025 filing recommended an average of $2,406 for policies from June 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027. The statewide Citizens HO-3 average was $3,506. Private insurers price each home on its roof, construction, age and location, so get quotes on the exact address.
Flood insurance
Standard homeowners policies do not cover flood, according to FEMA's FloodSmart program. Citizens already requires flood coverage for homes in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area, and it is phasing in the requirement for new and renewing personal residential policies with wind coverage: dwellings covered for $400,000 or more from January 1, 2026, and all such policies by January 1, 2027. Condo unit-owner and renters policies are exempt. The Jacksonville flood zone guide shows how to look up a parcel.
HOA fees and CDD assessments
Many newer subdivisions, especially in St. Johns and Clay counties, carry HOA dues, and some also sit in a community development district (CDD) whose assessment is billed on the property tax bill. Florida law requires the seller to give you an HOA disclosure summary before you sign, and a contract for a home in a CDD must state in bold type that the district may levy taxes or assessments. Ask for the current CDD assessment on the parcel's tax bill and the HOA's dues and any special assessments. Our Jacksonville new construction guide covers where CDDs are common.
Everyday costs in Jacksonville
Electricity, water and sewer: JEA
JEA, the city's community-owned utility, supplies electric, water and sewer service across Duval County and parts of Clay, Nassau and St. Johns counties. Its published residential electric rate is a $19.25 basic monthly charge plus $0.11519 per kWh for the first 1,000 kWh (energy plus fuel) and $0.13269 per kWh above that. A home using 1,000 kWh in a month pays about $134 before franchise fees, gross receipts tax and public service tax, which vary by city and county.
For water and sewer on a standard 5/8-inch meter, JEA charges a $13.60 water basic charge plus $1.34 per 1,000 gallons for the first 4,000 gallons and $2.99 for the next 4,000, and a $17.03 sewer basic charge plus $5.17 per 1,000 gallons. At 5,000 gallons a month that is about $65 for water and sewer together. Summer air conditioning and lawn irrigation push bills higher, so ask the seller or landlord for 12 months of bills.
Groceries and food
MIT estimates a basic food budget of $4,370 a year for one adult in Duval County, about $364 a month, and $12,789 a year for two adults with two children. Treat it as a basic grocery budget and add your own estimate for eating out.
Transportation and gas
MIT puts basic transportation costs in Duval County at $8,376 a year for one adult, mostly the cost of owning and running a car. Jacksonville covers 747.29 square miles of land, so most households drive. JTA's regular bus fare is $1.75, a day pass is $4.50 and a 31-day pass is $65. The downtown Skyway is free, riders 65 and over ride free with ID, and JTA has announced fare changes from January 1, 2027.
Healthcare
MIT's basic medical cost estimate for Duval County is $3,136 a year for one adult and $10,902 for two adults with one child. The area has major hospital systems, including Mayo Clinic's Jacksonville campus and UF Health's Jacksonville hospitals. Check which are in-network before you choose a plan.
Childcare
Childcare is the biggest cost for many households. MIT estimates $10,934 a year for one child and $20,793 for two in Duval County when all adults work. Duval County Public Schools runs a school choice process with magnet programs, so check options early if you want to avoid private school costs.
Internet and mobile
MIT's estimate for internet and mobile service in Duval County is $1,673 a year for one adult, about $139 a month, and $2,246 for a two-adult household. Providers vary by street, so check coverage at the address before you sign a lease or contract.
Taxes in Jacksonville
Sales tax: 7.5%
Florida's state sales tax is 6%, and Duval County adds a 1.5% discretionary sales surtax, for a combined 7.5% on most taxable purchases. The Florida Department of Revenue's surtax table lists three half-cent surtaxes in Duval County, one with no expiration date and the others running to 2030 and 2035. Groceries and prescription drugs are generally exempt from Florida sales tax.
No state income tax
Florida's constitution bars a state income tax on residents who are natural persons, so wages, pensions and investment income are not taxed by the state.
Property tax and the November 2026 ballot
Property tax is the tax you will feel most as an owner. Two votes in November 2026 could change future bills: Duval voters will decide whether to extend the voter-approved 1-mill school tax, which expires June 30, 2027, through June 30, 2031, and a statewide property tax amendment, Amendment 3, is also on the ballot. The City Council kept its rate flat partly because of that uncertainty.
Salary needed to live in Jacksonville
MIT's living wage is the pre-tax income a household needs to cover basic costs in Duval County, working full time. It leaves nothing for savings, vacations or eating out, so treat it as a floor.
| Household | Living wage per hour | Annual income before tax |
|---|---|---|
| 1 adult, no children | $22.24 | $46,251 |
| 1 adult, 1 child | $37.27 | $77,524 |
| 1 adult, 2 children | $46.67 | $97,070 |
| 2 adults (1 working), no children | $29.63 | $61,629 |
| 2 adults (both working), 1 child | $21.25 each | $88,406 |
| 2 adults (both working), 2 children | $25.43 each | $105,795 |
What rent and a mortgage take from common incomes
Zillow's typical rent of $1,601 a month is $19,212 a year. That is about 48% of a $40,000 gross income, 38% of $50,000, 32% of $60,000, 26% of $75,000 and 19% of $100,000. On the common guideline of spending no more than 30% of gross income on housing, typical rent needs about $64,000.
Principal and interest on the typical home is about $1,712 a month with 10% down. Add roughly $360 a month for city and school property tax on a homesteaded home and around $200 a month for an HO-3 policy at the Duval Citizens average, and the total is near $2,270 before flood insurance or HOA fees. On the same 30% guideline, that needs a gross income of about $91,000. These are our estimates from the figures above, not lender limits.
Jacksonville vs nearby cities
Zillow's August 2026 figures for Jacksonville and other Bright areas:
| Place | Typical home value | 1-year change | Typical rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville | $285,103 | -0.8% | $1,601 |
| Fleming Island (Clay County) | $445,587 | -0.1% | Not tracked |
| Fernandina Beach (Nassau County) | $610,615 | -0.3% | Not tracked |
| Gainesville | $295,760 | -1.2% | $1,618 |
| Orlando | $371,120 | -1.4% | $1,896 |
| Tampa | $377,566 | -0.3% | $1,957 |
Jacksonville has the lowest typical home value and rent of these areas. Fleming Island and Fernandina Beach cost more to buy into, and each has its own county tax rates and, often, HOA or CDD charges, so compare the full monthly bill. Gainesville is close to Jacksonville on price but has a higher city property tax rate.
Ways to lower your costs in Jacksonville
File for the homestead exemption
If the home is your primary residence, the homestead exemption takes up to $50,000 off its taxable value, and the Save Our Homes cap then limits increases in the assessed value to 3% a year or the change in CPI, whichever is less. You apply with the Duval County Property Appraiser, and the deadline for the current year is March 1.
Get a wind mitigation inspection
A wind mitigation inspection documents features that reduce hurricane damage, such as roof-to-wall connections and opening protection, and My Safe Florida Home says the report can help you gain available discounts on the hurricane portion of your premium. The state's My Safe Florida Home program offers free wind mitigation inspections and grants of up to $10,000 for eligible homeowners to make upgrades such as roof improvements, impact windows and doors and garage door reinforcement.
Shop insurance on the exact address
Premiums differ widely between homes on the same street depending on roof age, construction and elevation. Get at least two homeowners quotes and a flood quote during your inspection period, and ask the seller for any existing four-point and wind mitigation reports.
Compare areas by the full monthly cost
A lower price can come with a CDD assessment, higher flood insurance or a longer commute. Price the mortgage, tax, insurance, HOA, CDD and fuel for each shortlisted home side by side. If you'd like help, we can introduce you to a local agent who knows the areas on your list.
Common questions
What is the cost of living in Jacksonville, FL?+
MIT estimates one adult with no children needs $46,251 a year before tax to cover basic costs in Duval County, below the Florida figure of $50,117. Zillow's typical rent was $1,601 a month and the typical home value $285,103 in August 2026. Owners should add property tax, homeowners and flood insurance, and any HOA or CDD fees.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Jacksonville, FL?+
To keep Zillow's typical $1,601 rent at 30% of gross income you need about $64,000 a year. Owning the typical $285,103 home with 10% down costs about $2,270 a month with tax and average Citizens insurance, which needs about $91,000 on the same guideline. MIT's bare-minimum living wage for one adult is $46,251.
Is Jacksonville cheaper than Tampa?+
Yes, on housing. Zillow's typical home value in August 2026 was $285,103 in Jacksonville and $377,566 in Tampa, and typical rent was $1,601 against $1,957. MIT's living wage for one adult with no children is $46,251 in Duval County and $51,346 in Hillsborough County. Insurance, tax and commute costs still depend on the specific home.
How much is property tax in Jacksonville, FL?+
Inside the City of Jacksonville, the city rate is 11.1919 mills and the 2025-26 school rate is 6.343 mills, plus smaller regional levies. On a homesteaded home assessed at $285,103, the city and school portions come to about $4,281 a year. Your TRIM notice lists the exact rates for your parcel.
How much is the electric bill in Jacksonville?+
JEA charges a $19.25 basic monthly charge plus $0.11519 per kWh for the first 1,000 kWh and $0.13269 above that, including fuel. A home using 1,000 kWh pays about $134 before local taxes and fees. Summer air conditioning often pushes usage above 1,000 kWh, so ask for the last 12 months of bills.
What is the sales tax in Jacksonville, FL?+
The combined rate is 7.5%: Florida's 6% state sales tax plus Duval County's 1.5% discretionary sales surtax, according to the Florida Department of Revenue's surtax table. Groceries and prescription drugs are generally exempt from Florida sales tax. One of the county's three half-cent surtaxes has no end date, and the others run to 2030 and 2035.
Do I need flood insurance in Jacksonville?+
It depends on the home and the insurer. Citizens Property Insurance already requires flood coverage for homes in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area, and will require it on all new and renewing personal residential policies with wind coverage by January 1, 2027. Standard homeowners policies generally exclude flood, so get a quote either way.
Sources
- Zillow Research: Housing data (August 2026)
- Freddie Mac: Primary Mortgage Market Survey (September 24, 2026)
- MIT Living Wage Calculator: Duval County, Florida (updated February 15, 2026)
- MIT Living Wage Calculator: Florida
- MIT Living Wage Calculator: Hillsborough County, Florida
- Jacksonville Today: Jacksonville City Council approves $2B budget (September 23, 2026)
- Citizen Portal: Duval County School Board adopts 2025-26 budget, sets millage rates
- News4JAX: 2026 voter's guide, Duval County 1-mill school referendum
- Duval County Property Appraiser: Millage rates
- Florida Department of Revenue: Property tax information for taxpayers
- Florida Department of Revenue: Discretionary sales surtax rates (DR-15DSS)
- Florida Senate: Florida Constitution, Article VII, Section 5
- Citizens Property Insurance: 2026 recommended rate filing (December 10, 2025)
- Citizens Property Insurance: Flood insurance requirement
- FEMA FloodSmart: Flood insurance
- JEA: Rates
- JTA: Fares and passes
- My Safe Florida Home: Free wind mitigation inspections and grants
- Florida Statutes 720.401: HOA disclosure summary
- Florida Statutes 190.048: CDD disclosure
- U.S. Census Bureau: QuickFacts, Jacksonville city, Florida (land area)
- UF Health: About UF Health
- Duval County Public Schools: school choice options